Unanticipated Success

With Joel, our autistic 19 year old son, recently completing his high school years, it became paramount for his guardians to provide for his well-being and give him the opportunity for meaning in his life. Yet many questions remained with us, as his guardians, on our role, our goals for him, his preferences, and our community's acceptance of his differences. Should he try to get a job? If so, what kind? Should he stay at home? If so, what would he do? He watches television, he plays some games on the computer, but he doesn't read much, he doesn't get much physical activity. What would he do?

Connected to these concerns were even more basic questions. What and where would he eat? How would he get places? Would he take care of himself without our constant prompting? Could he handle people's questions or would he be assertive enough to solve his own life problems? Simple things such as bathrooms, drinking fountains, grooming, blowing his nose, all the things that we take for granted have to be taught to Joel. For us, the easiest thing would be to leave him home with lots of food in the pantry and not worry about it. But the question remains, what is best for Joel?

So we entered the rushing, turbulent river of life with great care and not just a little trepidation, looking for the calmest spot with shallow water, stepping gingerly so as not to fall or upset current flow too much. We held his hand, knowing we would need to let go when we were sure his feet and his journey would take him across. We then watched, ready to grab him if needed, ready to steady his steps, ready to find another crossing spot, but also ready to let him do this by himself.

It was all a careful and deliberate process of preparation and education for him and for us. Step one: Find out Joel's goals and make sure they are consistent with our own for him. Step Two: Find territory to match his goals. Step Three: Contact City Rides for scheduling and transportation possibilities. Step Four: Educate Joel on the process. Step Five: Monitor closely but encourage independence.

Joel's goals were to work in a library shelving and sorting books, and to work in the mail room at the local university sorting mail and delivering packages. He also did not want to wake up too early for this but did want some time to practice organ at school if possible. Thankfully, and not surprising, these goals matched our own. Finding the territory was a little difficult and involved interviewing librarians and mailroom workers. The interview also gave prospective employers an education and an opportunity to meet Joel and how to deal with him. Again, thankfully, we found employers willing to give it a try. In my mind, these are the heroes of this story. People willing to take a risk to help a disabled adult.

The transportation part of this story was complicated at first due to our living away from the city and our concern about Joel's readiness to get on a bus by himself. Yet for minimal cost, a small bus pulls up to our house and Joel gets on the bus and rides to work everyday at 12:30. It is a remarkably efficient system with drivers who care and make safety and comfort a priority.

We spent two days doing a dry run with Joel and showing him the path and the system for success. He was both malleable and excited about the opportunity. We then double-checked with the people to make sure all was in place before starting. The first few days we monitored the process, made a couple of adjustments, and then let Joel do it on his own.

While we are not so naive as to believe all is perfect, at this point, it is working much better than expected. He has risen to the challenge, responded with independence, and feels a contributing member of society. While he is not yet a paid employee, since all is voluntary, we are hoping to move him into these same positions as a part-time paid employee. Part of the reason he is not being paid at this point is the restrictive minimum wage law that does not allow employers to pay less. I have good reason to suspect the employers would be more willing to pay him something if they did not have to pay minimum wage. This is an example of how minimum wage hurts not helps the disabled. But that, once again, is for another blog someday! Meanwhile, we and Joel are excited with his success, a success that was unanticipated but much appreciated.

Protestant Church Music History. What next?

When facing philosophical or pragmatic dilemmas in either execution or content, it is usually beneficial to take a look at the past and determine how these problems were previously solved. Most issues today have in one form or another been dealt with by people before us, and it is more than a little arrogant to assume our problems are new and invented today. The ongoing battles in church music are not new to our generation and have continually eroded the strength of the church, resulting in factions, denominations, dogma, and bitter feelings between people and institutions. What is new, however, is the development of technology and the eclecticism that pervades our culture. Church music is not a simple subject matter and probably impossible to capsulize, given the expectations of many people. There is not an easy solution and time does not seem able to alleviate the ongoing concerns in this area. Normally, one could find answers from delving into history for truth; yet, as we do so, we find similar problems and once again no pat answer.

Before proceeding, it is necessary to note that as we examine churches today it is obvious that the church is well-fractured for a multitude of reasons from theological to application. With this disparity it must be mentioned that for many of our churches, history does indeed play an important role. Anglican, Roman Catholic, and liturgically based churches have the great benefit, should they choose to embrace it, of a strong historical tradition. While history does not always determine truth, it certainly is a starting point. Ironically, history also explains why history itself does not and cannot determine truth in church music for many mainline protestant denominations.

It is an oversimplification to point to one date or even time period as the beginning of the problems in church music, but there certainly is evidence linking today's complex issues back to the Reformation. Martin Luther was a musician with great respect for the arts and the role of the arts in churches. He spoke and wrote quite eloquently on the subject and remained a composer, performer throughout his career. Of great concern to Luther was the massive destruction of the arts in the Peasants War of 1524-25. This rather despicable event is unfortunately indicative of the pervading attitude found in many churches today and is manifested in the wildly divergent expectations of modern day church attenders. And while this may be one small but pointed example of the deterioration of the arts in mainline protestant churches, it is certainly prophetic and perhaps sadly realistic.

That said, all is not hopeless for mainline protestant churches. While we may not have an encompassing, nor consistently high art with beauty in the classic sense, we are not eradicating great art or music from our experience. We are simply redefining it. And in our seeking after definitions and truth in worship, we are unfortunately making some mistakes. Since history is one of if not the greatest teachers, it stands to reason that without a solid historical foundation of music, protestant churches can only keep trying to establish what works and what expresses God in the truest sense.

This is not to say there is a lack of musical wealth in Protestant history. Careful study reveals a rich tradition from the Wesleys to Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason, all music worth singing and all music deserving of its rightful place in worship. Yet, in spite of this truth, there seems to be a move away from this music, and a move toward an embracing of contemporary culture. Ironically, much of the old influences were considered wildly controversial in their day, with people questioning the new music and new texts. Similar to today, the past church music struggled to find its place, its own identity. History is kind to excellence and it will be so again.

I propose we continue to wade through the murky waters of church music today, seeking wisdom and seeking excellence. Time will demonstrate what lasts and what doesn't. Meanwhile, we trudge on, hoping to find the truth in the complexity known as worship.

Doubting my Originality

I am questioning my musical originality these days. Perhaps I am a thief of sorts or maybe all of us are thieves of one kind or another. Or, even more shocking, maybe it is okay to be a thief in the arts. After all, we study, learn, absorb, and embrace the arts on a daily, sometimes an hourly, basis. Music is all around us in one form or another and I cannot seem to get enough of it. As a writer learns from the literary masters and is frequently reading in order to hone his craft as a writer, a musician is frequently listening which in turn hones his craft and his art as a composer. This is true regardless of the selected genre.

An artist receives inspiration from many sources among which are nature, people, events, and visual imagery that surrounds us on all fronts. He benefits from other artists, as well as the events and sights encompassing his experience, including the myriad of emotions driving his greater need for visual expression. What artist has not visited an art museum only then to draw from the success of others in creating his own language? It could be as simple as a combination of paint choices, or shadows, or another way to present a theme. Even as I study today's Picasso on this blog, I realize that while unique and original to an extent, Picasso, with tremendous skill and creativity, also borrows from previously existing sources.

In music, there are 12 different notes that were established many years ago and expected rhythm patterns that can match those notes. Add expression markings, staff lines, and an infinite number of instrumental and vocal combinations not to mention text, there is plenty of material to keep a composer busy for a lifetime. But let's look at this another way: what if in fact musicians have simply been borrowing ideas for years and putting those ideas together in different ways? After all, when a composer writes a series of eighth notes, he did not invent the notes. They exist as the tools available. One cannot invent a hammer for it already exists. Perhaps a tool maker can improve on a hammer or change its shape or color or materials, but truthfully the hammer is still the hammer. Eighth notes are still eighth notes. They might be fast or slow or loud or be done by different instruments, or there might be two of them or hundreds of them, but nevertheless they are still eighth notes. I might use them in a creative way, but I have still borrowed the tool, the idea, at least to an extent.

Listening to hundreds, maybe thousands of pieces, songs, musical works each year ranging from popular music to art music to film music, including sacred, secular, folk, children's and educational music, there is no doubt in my mind that we composers are borrowing and therefore benefiting from previous invention of Western music as currently notated. Sure we add, change, alter, even create sounds, but are they really "created" from nothing, purely from the imagination? or are they drawn from the myriad sounds that encompass our world, enter our thoughts, and expressed through music on the page?

It is not possible to divorce the world around us and operate completely in a creative vacuum devoid of all external influence. Not only that, it really is not desirable to do so. All artists in all genres gain from the historical, and certainly vast, human experience developed through the expression of hundreds of thousands of years of individual creativity. On the negative side, this could mean that there is little being produced that is entirely original, but on the positive side, there seems to be room for personal expression, application of emotions, and a way to put "me" into the world.

In most ways, I am comforted to know that I can still create music and that people enjoy hearing my creation (unfortunately, there are many exceptions to this!). Yet I am also aware that my own music and the music I hear is not really entirely original but in truth is an amalgamation and manifestation of history and current culture. Perhaps I should thank the early masters, the ones who struggled with how to organize music in the way we have it now, the ones who gave me the tools I now use. Acknowledging their work does not inhibit further personal creation, instead it actually sparks in me greater possibilities for expression. Onward I go!

Educating the Outside World, Pt. II

Most people respond in communication to events around us, perceiving situations whether due to social activities or physical properties that in turn give us the message what to do or say or react. This type of behavior happens all the time unconsciously and naturally, and is actually the result of years of awareness of our surroundings. It is the process of what is referred to as contractarianism, an unwritten contract between people that allows the give and take of conversation and communication. Of course we have all committed that inevitable and often disturbing social blunder, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, or using the wrong fork, or perhaps wearing the wrong clothes, but in general we work to retain individuality while fitting in with our environment. When we understand what is happening around us, we are able to belong while having influence at the same time.

In addition, our natural survival instincts warn us and teach us how to react to stimuli presented almost daily. Sudden or unusual sounds, motion, and feelings all dictate our immediate behavior, at least to an extent, giving us a constant awareness and perception of danger or of comfort. Last night, as I was driving home from a nearby city, going 65 miles per hour, I suddenly happened upon a large deer in my path. Logic reminded me to hit the deer (at least this is the recommendation by some due to the fear of rolling over) and face the consequences, but my survival instinct told me to swerve in avoidance. Luckily, the same instinct told me to correct my swerve a little but not too suddenly, and within seconds I was on my way, having missed the deer by a foot or two. I perceived a dangerous situation, altered my circumstances, fixed the problem, and rejoiced in relief the danger was passed.

Joel Tucker, 19, autistic since birth, does not enjoy those same survival instincts. He either does not have the reaction time to make decisions or more likely does not perceive of his environment in the same way that other people do. If he were to drive, he probably would have hit the deer. Joel's disability does not permit him to have a realistic awareness of the world around him. This includes traffic problems, complex emotions, even the passing of time can be a mystery to Joel. While he is peripherally aware of anger or tension or problems that may exist, those things are generally abstract and do not directly affect him. It makes for a rose-tinted world, a world where everyone and everything is a friend, a world of no "sorrow or dangers or toils or snares." A form of extreme sheltering that is natural and inherent rather than imposed or taught by others. While he would never say it, it is not unlike the statement, "I am sheltered and self-protected by my own inability to know reality. This makes me happy."

This is cause for two circumstances: 1) A young adult who enters the world contented and happy due to being unaware of the challenges facing him, and 2) Caregivers very concerned about his future and how to give him a degree of independence while insuring his safety. But the hard truth is that Joel is going to have to enter the world unprepared, at least to an extent, through no fault of his own or anyone's, for its harsh realities. This requires that others become sensitive, compassionate, helpful, and forthright.

Back to the purpose of these two essays. I am encouraging employers, drivers, clients, students, and all those who encounter Joel or the Joels of this world to give him a chance to be successful. To encourage him, to guide him, to guide help him, to be firm when needed, to love him, and mostly allow him to fit in. He, like everyone, deserves a chance and an opportunity to give it a try. While we are not so naive as to believe he will be successful at everything, and we are certainly aware of his limitations, we are also convinced that through cooperation, patience, and training, there is a place for Joel in this world. So I ask that we build a hedge of protection around him but within that hedge we push him to greater heights that will actually allow him to reach his potential. And as you afford him the opportunity and give him a chance to try, watch out for him along the way. It's going to take the concerted effort of many people for him to be safe and succeed.

Copyrighting the Art?

Before you read this entry, please scroll down and take a look at the Picasso on the right. Someone somewhere took a photo of that particular piece, acknowledged the artist, and posted it on the internet. In fact, take a few minutes to do an image search for other Picasso works or Rembrandt or Da Vinci. Take it another step and type in Mona Lisa image search. You will find hundreds of images ranging from photos of the original work to parodies and various analyses of the famous piece including how to instructions for exact reproduction. Da Vinci as arguably one of the most well-known artists/inventors in history is not receiving royalties from unbridled use of his art. Of course Da Vinci is gone, but his name, his art is viewed by thousands upon thousands each year. True, his works are considered public domain, yet it seems that public domain has increased the worth of the Mona Lisa, not diminished it.

Now let's contrast this with a recent sign I saw in a small hallway of a university in another city. Located in a sitting area near a water fountain and restrooms, with a pleasant balance of natural and fluorescent light, there were some small and rather nicely done oil paintings in simple, innocuous frames hanging innocently on the wall. Not being an artist nor even an expert in any sense, nevertheless, I have an unending curiosity about all things artistic, and felt compelled to move toward the art to assuage my questions as to their content and purpose. But unfortunately, as I drew closer, I was not drawn to the art as much as to the sign that stood between two small pieces. The sign stated that photography including cell phone cameras was forbidden due to copyright infringement.

Staring at the sign, thinking through it, I finally forced my eyes to study the actual art works and soon felt that familiar emotion of visual satisfaction with the craft of the artist mixed with some apathy at the subject matter--another beautiful but unoriginal naturalistic piece (please forgive my opinions on this subject. I love all art but am to the point where I prefer abstracts over realism). Wryly, I concluded that I would not have taken a photo regardless of the stated infringement. So another work of art hangs unseen except by passersby on their way to a needed stop, only to be interrupted by the reminder that it is not to be photographed. I wondered what it would be like to meet someone for the first time and have him punch me in the face rather than shake my hand! I realized the impact was not all that different.

What if the sign had said: Feel free to photograph the artworks and share with anyone. The artist would appreciate acknowledgment. How would this alter the product? What would happen? Would the mass sharing, internet postings, image copying, hurt the artist? What if someone took a picture and sold it as his own? What would be the result of such activity? Yes, maybe somebody would make some money using another person's creativity. Or perhaps somebody would use the photograph for another purpose such as a book jacket and reap the financial rewards, thus stealing from the creator. That possibility certainly does exist although seems most unlikely. How many artists have claimed Picasso as their own or musicians claimed Mozart or writers Dickens? Art is such a personal, singular expression that each work becomes as individual as a fingerprint.

Of course, there is the potential for the work to achieve notoriety regardless of its limited exposure thereby resulting in a significant purchase, giving the artist financial freedom enjoyed by very few. Maybe the hope of much trumps the likelihood of a little due to the free sharing of creative expression. Maybe the dream of wild riches is greater than the steady rewards of acknowledged excellence? Regardless of the reason, out of some misguided inflation or maybe self-protection or simply the "pot of gold," the artist or maybe the institution felt inclined to prevent the sharing of his creativity. Yet, while I would like to be wrong, it is likely that the works will enjoy a brief, artistic career on the wall in an obscure location, never to enjoy the fame and fortune that could happen if their magnificence were shared by everyone.

I propose we give attribution when deserved and allow the market to determine the value by allowing the expression of individual creativity.

Educating the Outside World, Pt. I

As our autistic son Joel enters the world at the age of 19, having recently graduated from high school, it occurs to me that we have spent a great deal of time and energy in educating him how to act, respond, behave, learn, and "fit in" to the world as a contributing adult and member of society. To an extent, at least within the confines of his disability, he is able to do just that.

Yet all is not peachy in the Joel world, for many people do not know what to do or how to help him adjust. To that end, I write this essay for business owners, employers, managers, various employees, and all those in the work place who are willing to take a chance on a disabled adult and help guide him toward success in a career or simply to know how to respond to Joel and people like Joel when you encounter them in everyday life.

One major thing to remember is to have patience and allow time for normal events. This includes ordering food, writing checks, walking, crossing the street, sorting, carrying packages, getting on buses, and responding to questions. A good rule of thumb is to double the normal time for all activities and avoid rushing the process which would lead to undue stress and a possible lack of productivity. A second problem for autistic adults is in the area of communication. While they often know the answer and may even be perceiving the situation accurately, they likely will be unable to express their own needs. This can be very frustrating for both the disabled adult as well as the employer or helper, and often becomes a guessing game as you try to discern the need or the problem. When this happens try using pictures or even a form of charades to determine the desired behavior.

Autistic adults thrive better in quiet, ordered environments. While they are very social, forget the old myth of autistics preferring solitude, they also tend to become agitated and confused in overly loud complex environments. With this environment is the need for routine, clear expectations, and one thing at a time without unnecessary interruptions. Autism lends itself to excelling in one or two disciplines thereby resulting in a type of "expert" behavior. Finding this specialization may be challenging, but once it becomes apparent, the adult can actually be considered superior in that particular area.

In Joel's case, he excels at putting things in order and finds libraries perfectly suited to his personality and his ordered universe. The quiet, but hidden creative world of books that are begging to be found and can only be found if cataloged and placed in the correct spots have a diligent and dedicated friend in Joel Tucker who remains committed to ordered perfection for their domicile. The books smile when Joel enters the library for they know he will ensure their safe passage to their rightful place. Although his pace is somewhat adagio and his music tends to be soft, his melody is pleasant and the rhythm ordered with excellent goals. His productivity may not be as extensive as other people, but it is accurate, tasteful, fastidious, and objective. In the right kind of setting, Joel can and will be successful.

Pastoring a Baptist church

Having received news of several resignations from Baptist church pastors located in different parts of the state and in various sizes of congregations, I am beginning to wonder if there is some kind of flawed system or inhuman expectation for our pastors today.

I do want to qualify this essay by reminding the reader that I am not and have never been a pastor. I have also never served a church in any kind of full-time capacity, but instead have been a part-time minister of music throughout my strange career. This further means I have not had theological training and therefore tend to respond to church situations somewhat instinctively based on experience and common sense rather than having a solid academic foundation in the discipline of ministry or pastoring.

Yet in spite of my layman's view of the business or maybe because of it, I am quite concerned about several things related to pastors and churches expectations. What are the requirements for successful pastoral ministry? Are they too stringent to meet, or simply too vast to understand, or are the clientele too diverse to find any common ground? Maybe we congregation members are looking for a man, one who is called by God into the ministry and one we believe can do all things well, to have god-like qualities and superhuman strengths. Maybe the system itself is flawed and cannot be fixed without a paradigm shift in thinking or without some kind of acknowledgment that no person can do all the things that are expected from a pastor. It is actually absurd in many ways.

Let's think about it for a minute. A pastor is expected to preach the word, but not just preach the word but to do so with theological accuracy, an entertaining style, a particular length (preferably not too long), to make the sermon both Biblical and relevant to our times. Sermons are to be corporately universal but also individually gainful including the latest well-researched psychology that parallels rather than repels scriptural proof. All these and more make for a perception of preaching excellence by the typical congregation member. Yet this is but a small drop in a large bucket of the expectations of a pastor.

Other responsibilities include all forms of counseling, ministering to the sick, the elderly, the impoverished, the downcast, the young, the lost, the saved, and, truthfully, the list never ends for those who need a minister. But what about the building itself? and the staff? and the money? Shouldn't the pastor administrate all these things, ensuring everything runs smoothly, with money left over, and all staff contented in all situations? Of course everything the pastor does is supposed to result in growth in numbers as well as baptisms. In addition he should navigate through committees, deacons, ministries, mission work, and visitors, making sure he communicates fully and openly, seeking consensus from all constituents but remaining strong when tough decisions need to be made.

The contradictions are wildly ironic and almost laughable, in a Faulknerian paradoxical way, when examined deliberately with subsequent application. He should be professional but compassionate, transparent but flawless, brilliant but approachable, sacrificial but healthy, serious with a sense of humor, popular but introspective, youthful and mature, idealistic but pragmatic, patient but firm, concrete in beliefs but open to ideas, and business-minded but a humanitarian. In other words, today's pastor should be all things to all people without sacrificing his firm religious and spiritual convictions.

Does such a person exist? Not on this earth! Yet is it possible to teach a church to recognize the difficult task and support a pastor as he leads a church in the ultimate purpose: to glorify God and enjoy him forever? I believe the answer is yes. It certainly is a challenge, however, in today's complex world and the challenge can only be met through acceptance of God's truth, recognition of man's flaws, commitment to a greater purpose, and mostly an unswerving and comprehensive adherence to loving each other. Ministers must remain true to their calling and churches must find ways to love and support their ministers. It can happen and has happened. We, the church, must find a way for it to happen again.

Mysteries and Responsibility, Pt. II

In the previous installment, it was concluded that teachers can and do make a difference in the lives of others, sometimes in the classroom and sometimes away from it. Unfortunately the rewards of teaching often do not occur for many years, making teaching both a mystery and a heavy responsibility.

But the question on the table is whether advanced degrees add to or take away from the responsibility?

Having spent much of my career as a band director, I often found myself moving music stands from one place to another, and setting up chairs, and putting music in folders. A few days after completing my Doctor of Philosophy, perhaps expecting to feel differently, maybe relieved, maybe wiser, maybe special, instead I simply felt the same. This was further confirmed when I stepped into the band hall and began moving music stands, setting up chairs, and putting music in folders. Much to my comfort and maybe a touch of chagrin masked in wry amusement, I realized that nothing had changed, I was and still am the same person as always with the same expectations as always, the same aptitude, and the same larger purpose. Or had it?

But after thinking through the issue, I realize that in fact the responsibility question was answered. To an extent my advanced degree increases my responsibility in teaching. Education, study, research, or scholarly achievement do not, in and of themselves, replace or subjugate the absolute necessity for culpability, honesty, or obligation by a teacher to uphold the highest in integrity in all things presented. This is true regardless of rank, tenure status, or age of the teacher. Too often, professors are given a license, or carte blanche, to present information without consideration of the responsibility expected, and consequently ignoring or least denying the mystery of education, which is revealed over time.

The age of the students, the discipline being taught, the circumstances surrounding the teaching, the ultimate purpose of the teacher. None of these abdicates nor excuses irresponsible teaching in any form. From the 1st grade teacher working diligently to teach her children to read, through the junior high science teacher dedicated to explaining the basics of biology, to the Ph.D. class of students seeking to understand the philosophical purpose of aesthetics and their nature in art, the teacher has a calling, an obligation, a requirement, to be absolutely committed to presenting the truth.

The influence a professor has over his college students is significant and should never be taken lightly nor irresponsibly. Much has been written on the concept of tenure, and there is no reason to add to the literature on the subject, but in my mind tenure does not provide a license for poor preparation or poorly presented facts. Tenure is also not freedom to misrepresent truth or to mold students into a teacher's personal work of pottery. Tenure carries with it a tremendous obligation to pursue academic purity in highest form, and to offer that truth in an excellent manner so as to prepare others for honesty in scholarship and cognitive development.

Meanwhile, back at the responsibility ranch, when you are invited, even called to the education profession, and you enter through those doors to reside among people who trust your calling, your aptitude, your training, your heart, then you must do so with the utmost dedication to accuracy, honesty, and purity of information. It is a dangerous profession in many ways, for to mislead a young mind with casual, unprepared conjectures that have not been presented as such is to commit a crime of academic and educational heresy.

To that end, as I study and learn, as I refuse to rest comfortably on the amazing education I received, as I dedicate myself fully to greater discoveries and greater scholarship, as I continue to teach and to enjoy the opportunity to teach, I am reminded that my responsibility for imparting truth is of the utmost and must be done with comprehensive excellence. What they are learning and how they use the information may be a mystery but it does not abdicate my responsibility as a teacher. With luck, my responsible adherence to truth will one day be revealed by an informed and contributing adult. Maybe even an adult playing in the New York Philharmonic!

Mysteries and Responsibility, Pt. I

When I saw the young lady, I recognized her but could not quite place the exact location or chronology. She was tall, confident, friendly, and exuded a warm, humble personality that could not hide a desire for excellence. As I studied her, I was almost certain that I had taught her some horn lessons many years before in some location many miles away. She smiled a friendly smile and introduced herself, reminding me that I had indeed helped her a few times when she was a young college student and I was completing my advanced degree. As we conversed and I asked her what she was doing, she humbly with a touch of awe mentioned she played 3rd Horn in the New York Philharmonic. Her awe, however, was minuscule compared to mine as I stared at this amazing horn player who had actually arrived, arrived at the ultimate goal--the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

A position in the New York Philharmonic is likened to playing professional level sports or being chief surgeon or a partner in a large firm or any number of professional level positions. What she is now doing is the dream of thousands of young musicians across the country. As though to reiterate the truth, on New Year's Eve, I watched her in the orchestra as they performed a nationally televised special to bring in the new year. It was thrilling for me to watch someone for whom I had a very small part in her success as a musician. She later wrote me and thanked me for the time spent with her and the helpful horn playing suggestions, further solidifying my role in her career.

I do recall those couple of lessons where she asked me about high range development, embouchure usage, and some phrasing techniques. She was obviously driven to succeed and was willing to work diligently and to ask lots of questions in her quest to achieve her goals. What if I had been too busy to help her? Or what if I had misguided her in some way by making a wrong suggestion? Would it have changed anything? There is no way to know. Yet to think that I actually helped her reach her dreams reminds me of the awesome responsibility that a teacher carries with him in the classroom, the workplace, and yes, frighteningly so, in everyday life.

In teaching, it is often a mystery as to whether the student is truly learning or gaining from the offering. The mystery often remains cloudy for years with clarity shining forth when a former student walks up and says "thank you" or "you made a difference in my life" or "I remember when...." Time is kind to most teachers and time often dictates and forms the final product--a successful adult. This and this alone makes teaching a lifelong endeavor with vast, sometimes mysterious, and definitely far-ranging influence.

But is the responsibility less for a college professor or greater? I will attempt to address this next time.

Thoughts on Worship

There are many decisions to be made when planning a worship service. A leader must always consider the large picture of what is trying to be accomplished as well as the minutia of the actual worship experience. To this end, I have come up with some suggestions to make the experience positive for everyone while avoiding any kind of alienation of preferences or style. While no system is without its flaws, and the potential for problems and contentiousness is always present, and the number of variables is extensive further adding to the challenges, I believe that if this process is followed, churches will experience less division and a greater purpose for its worship practices. With that in mind, here are some ideas for worship leaders. These are not in order of value or importance and are simply suggestions.

1. Move slowly but deliberately in all that you do. This includes the teaching of new hymns or choruses, the use of drums and guitars, the use of an organ, any tempo changes, video, or new arrangements.

2. With this, whatever you do new try it three times before making a decision. The rule of three will give you enough information as to whether this is the right thing for you and your church. Three times will also allow the congregation to learn it and thus accept it.

3. Avoid any extremes in your presentation, including tempos, volume, style, repetitions, or appearance.

4. Don't be afraid of variety. 2 fast songs or hymns should be followed with something slower. Something old can be followed with something new. A loud song probably needs a time of repose.

5. Try staying connected from one song or hymn to another through the use of transitions, related keys, or rhythmic similarities. Stopping between selections and starting again with an introduction can interrupt the flow of the music. Keep the music alive!

6. Be free to start a song or hymn in the middle or at the refrain. Also don't feel locked in to singing it precisely as written. To an extent, allow the congregation to dictate how something goes in terms of rhythm or even the melody.

7. Smile and enjoy what you are doing.

8. Plan well, plan precisely, and prepare specifically including all tempos, spoken words, prayers, repeats, and transitions. BUT always feel free to be creative and spontaneous when the spirit leads. Teach other musicians to be flexible and be ready for change.

9. Approach all worship through prayer and humility by allowing the holy spirit to guide the decision-making process.

10. Recognize you have all ages, backgrounds, and personal agendas in front of you. Try reaching everyone with something while working to encourage people to avoid pre-conceptions of what worship should be.

11. Don't overreact to criticism, but also be aware that you can learn something from most criticism. Dismissing criticism is as unwise as taking it too much to heart.

12. Study, listen, learn and be open to new approaches and new ways. Ask lots of questions of other music ministers and seek suggestions from your congregation. BUT also be firm in your convictions for what God is telling you about worship.

13. Be open to using a praise team but remain assertive in your leadership.

14. Don't allow the music to be divisive. Always work toward unification and collective joy in the experience.

15. Say thank you often. It is a team effort and the team will work harder when they are appreciated.

16. Know something about sound systems and video. Work with your technicians, not against them.

17. Strive for artistry and excellence in all experiences, but don't allow those goals to interfere with the higher purpose of worshiping God.

18. Build relationships and be friendly to everyone.


If you have other suggestions or ideas or even disagree, please feel free to let me know so I may add them to the list. Obviously these are but a few of the important elements to remember, and I believe it is time to work together as we discern God's will for the future of the church. There is no question that worship is a major component of the church today, and a successful music ministry encompasses many characteristics. Above all, pray and study.

Rob's auguries for 2009

I have written predictions before and usually remove them if and when they don't come true. Such will be the case with this one. Nevertheless, I feel led to offer some of my own thoughts for the future. These are in no particular order.

Public school teachers will receive a substantial pay raise and begin to be regarded for their hard work and impact they have on our society.

We will continue having major economic problems with the closing of small businesses and some shocking corruption discovered in large companies.

Higher education will continue to alter its face through greater technological advances including video enhanced online learning.

With these changes will come new degree programs and careers that didn't exist 10 years ago.

This is a good time for commodity speculating but beware of the quick spikes downward. Commodity trading is not for the faint of heart.

Rare book collecting will experience a surge in interest with values continuing to increase.

Sports figures and entertainers will see a small decline in salaries and support.

Major publishing houses will struggle and many will fold partly due to the ridiculous and inhibiting copyright laws that prevent creative intellectual development.

Here is an easy one: the Middle East countries will have further unrest.

Churches will need to alter their plan to survive with more small group experiences and experiments in worship practices including eclecticism in music.

The arts will experience a revival of sorts as people need more culture and less reliance on materialism.

The changes in the Tucker family situation will be fairly substantial with two graduations and the youngest driving.

Exercise and remaining healthy will become a necessity for everyone due to rising health care costs and inconvenience of medical problems.

Foster care, adult services, and attention on helping the disabled will take center stage in the media.

Counseling services will hit an all-time high in all ages with the rise in mental instability and personal problems throughout the country.

DNA research will reveal several important findings which will aid in preventing birth defects.

I will remain one of the few people I know with very little interest in the weather.

Be not bitter

There have been a few times in my life where I felt anger toward certain people and circumstances, situations that seemed a blatant slam on fairness and judiciousness, a gross mistreatment of who I am, an unnecessary disregard of my emotions. It is called bitterness and it can slowly but surely erode your joy, your confidence, your energy, and yes, even your character.

Bitterness takes the form of jealousy, resentment, despair, blame, and a general sense of hopelessness at your own circumstances. Bitterness festers and burns, slowly overtaking a person's mental state until it colors all circumstances and transforms a person into an angry, suspicious, non-influential, selfish entity working hard to infect others with the same poison pervading his every thought. In fact, sometimes people who are bitter can't understand why others are not the same way and, subsequently almost resent anyone who seems satisfied and contented.

I recall having a sycamore tree that became infested with worms. I made a rather lame attempt to kill the worms, but in truth I never liked the tree all that much, due to its general appearance and size. The worms came back and got worse, making the leaves yellow, the limbs brittle, and the elements that normally make it a vibrant, growing tree completely abhorrent. Finally, I had no choice but to give up and have the tree removed. I had allowed the worms to overtake the tree to the point where it had no chance for survival, plus the tree had lost its appeal making it a liability in the neighborhood.

Somehow being bitter is also debilitating, preventing productivity, and the creative fostering of ideas. In many ways, the rancor and vitriolic manner as caused from bitterness is an idea killer not only to the embittered but also to those directly or even directly affected by the defeatist. And defeatist they are indeed, for the sense of hope begins to leave, pore by pore, only to be left with pessimism and despair, in a kind of Kafkaesque existence matched only by Camus and his philosophy of social hopelessness. Like our tree, bitterness deliberately and systematically destroys its host.

Yet it is the person who overcomes the apparent mistreatment or harsh criticism or the injustices who ends up prevailing in the game. Of course the wise person benefits from the criticism at least to an extent and tries to avoid the same pitfalls that created the problem in the first place, gaining wisdom from the challenge and from the experience. Wisdom generally does come from experience but positive action occurs as we learn from but also eradicate the bitterness from our psychological armory. Maybe for the fortunate, in a Utopian world, a world devoid of discord, there is no reason to be bitter about anything due to the consistently positive and constantly warm affirmation received for everything done. But for most of us, we occasionally have a reason for bitterness. How we handle those moments, shapes our attitudes and ultimately forms our character.

The next step, after getting over the anger and bitterness is to forgive the perpetrator for the misdeed. But that, my friends, is fodder for another blog someday!